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City Cast DC

Summer’s finally here. Here's how to make the most of it.

We’re back with the second iteration of our Summer Entertainment Guide, sponsored by Clyde's Restaurant Group. Anacostia Park spans eight miles on the east side of the Anacostia River and holds a wealth of history and community events to explore this summer.

The park is named after the Nacotchtank indigenous people who lived there before John Smith (yes, the John Smith) and white settlers arrived. Through the years, it was subject to toxic dumping, neglect, and environmental erosion, but the community has worked hard to restore the space. Now, besides serving as a gorgeous landscape, it’s also home to tons of community events.

“There's so much untapped wisdom and expertise east of the Anacostia River. We really try to activate Anacostia Park as a platform for Ward 7 and Ward 8 residents to share their passions with the surrounding community,” said Richard Trent, the Executive Director of 

Besides picnicking, hiking, and biking to your heart's content, we highly recommend checking out the 

. Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a day at the park:

Once a month, the skating pavilion hosts Late Skate from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. There are DJs, food, dancing, and free skate rentals. It’s truly one of the best, most wholesome events I’ve been to in D.C.

 Try out your angler skills and learn about the vibrant ecosystem in the Anacostia River at this weekly community fishing excursion.

 Ok, so this is more for the kiddos than for you (although I personally would still have a blast). This jungle gym right by the park entrance is a fully-fledged pirate ship — sails, brig, and all.

 This massive expanse of greenery used to hold concerts and protests. Now, it's the perfect spot for dog walking, sports, or just a little picnic.

Every Saturday morning, Friends of Anacostia Park 

 to prevent litter from entering the river. If that's not your thing, there are plenty of other ways to get involved, like hosting an event or doing outreach.

How to Spend a Day In Anacostia Park

Summer Guide

This segment is presented by Clyde’s Restaurant Group.

The return of the hot weather means the return of outdoor movies. But not all screenings are created equal. Here are our top choices, whether you're going with kids, with a first date, or anything in between.

 This series is all comedies, so go for the laughs, then stay for the giant screen and amphitheater-style seating that ensures a good view.

Cult classic and contemporary martial arts/action films are screened and scored live (scene-by-scene) with a blend of hip hop, soul, and funk.

Union Market parking lot for cars and Neal Place for pedestrians.

The first and third Friday of every month through July 21st

: I love this one because you can pick up food from the market beforehand. It’s $20 per car, or you can bring your own seating and watch up front for free.

 Sit on the grass at Audi Field and watch blockbusters on the jumbotron.

Movies were chosen via a March Madness-style bracket and are all kid-friendly. But there’s a bar and food trucks for the adults.

We pit D.C.’s outdoor movie spots against each other on 

Summer Guide

How to Spend a Day In Anacostia Park

DC's Best Outdoor Movie Spots